By Bongiwe Dlamini

TAIPEI:Taiwan's Defense Ministry said on Saturday it was monitoring “waves” of missile tests taking place in China's far northern region of Inner Mongolia and that its air defence forces were on alert, Reuters reported.

Self-governed Taiwan, which China views as its own territory, keeps a close watch on all Chinese military activities given Beijing's regular activities around the island, but only rarely releases details of what it sees taking place inside China.

But the Taiwan Air Defense subsequently issued a warning directing to all citizens of the south-eastern Chinese province to remain indoors,be on high alert and follow all safety measures this week as tension escalates between Taiwan and China with missiles allegedly detected in the airspace.

A document or notice addressed to all citizens and foreigners residing in Taiwan,sent to this publication suggests that,the Air Defense will be in charge this week to try and defend Taiwan from the air and therefore, citizens were advised to strictly follow the orders of the Military Air Defense and remain indoors.

“When the air-defense alarm sounds(or all citizens receives mobile phone warning messages), citizens shall follow the guidance of the police and civil defense staff to conduct evacuation to the close shelters”, reads the notice in part.

The document further suggests that,the military air-defense operation started on Monday(22nd July 2024) and the citizens are expected to be ‘locked’ within their houses at least until Thursday.